How to remain positive during these crucial times of life? – An HR Perspective.

People's management was never that easy. In the past or in today’s time it indeed requires a lot of understanding in dealing with issues. Today, I realized that the overuse of technology is disastrous for human emotions and minds. Circulating the same messages without any authentication creates unnecessary panic. During a few calls, I came across concerns. The concerns primarily were negative emotions, hovering concern about when and how will things fall in place and immense anxiety and stress.  

In the current scenario more than professional life or work our major concerns are the social behavior of the people around and well-being of the family. With the continuous negativity around us in the form of Social Media messages, News and media we all are becoming more negative. All of this negativity and worries caused due to the outside situation, forced lockdown will only part once things fall in place and the situation gets better with time. 

I felt vulnerable when I spoke to a friend who was sad over the call. As we all are unable to manage our stress due to lack of daily essentials, engaging kids, household chores without any house help and depression due to misery. 

So, now the question is how to remain positive during this crucial time? Here I am sharing some of the aspects that one can use while dealing with coworkers in the organization. 

Communication is the Key:   I remember when last week I was in conversation with a senior person. She said, she is talking to many people in a day and all of a sudden, the frequency of the calls has increased manifolds. The reason is very evident everyone is freaking out with stress. Each employee in the organization needs assurance that “I care for you”. Things can be managed and one can easily overcome the stress if seniors or HR have a patient ear to listen to their woes. Discipline is also equally important however, how you convey the same is important here. At the same time, it is an employee's responsibility as well to understand the crucial time and try and meet the deadlines in the best possible way. 

Work from Home ain't easy for all: Given the fact that all the employees are working from home, things aren’t that easy to manage and coordinate. Everyone has a different setup and atmosphere at home in different situations to manage. While you talk to them in the office, make presentations; attend meetings, lunch breaks, etc. together everything is so quite professional. Now, the situation is very different and, in this situation, flexibility is the key. Sitting in the comfort of my house I do not know the other persons' situation. How he and she are managing work at their end, and managing issues like power cuts, internet connection, and speed, resources, responsibilities at home, etc. Since we are all adults, we do understand the deadlines and its importance however relaxation in the rules and deadlines in the current situation will help employees in delivering in the best possible manner. 

Let us not be judgmental and no comparisons- We don't know the existing mental state and the atmosphere from where the employee is working. Based on the same, we cannot be judgmental and there should be no comparisons among the teams.  If you are the person who always encourages the team, then try increasing the intensity of offering encouragement. Yes, encourage your teams all the more for all the good times that you all would have seen together while working. Positivity will add a good flavor to the work. 

Some good words may bring happiness to someone's life. Even researches show that encouragements and appreciations increase productivity. Recently while having a conversation with a good friend she mentioned how she is keeping her team motivated during this current situation. In order to keep the morale high on every alternate team call, she picks up the top 3 performers in her team and appreciates them.

Be ready to help- What will you do if you come to know that one of your team members is in isolation? God forbid any such situation comes. But, if that happens, one should remain in touch and give assurance. In order to comfort the family and the colleague, the manager could offer support over the call and assure the job security too.

Show gratitude and think positive: Future was always uncertain; we never know what will happen next moment. So now thinking of whether we will remain on the job will get promotions or increments and appraisals, etc. How will the economy's gonna work out thinking all of this will add more stress to your life when we knew the future was unpredictable as always so better we invest more time in our present?  

This is the time to do what you always wanted to do, however, never have a chance to do it. 

Given the current lockdown situation, everybody should focus on honing new skills while at home. Along with this one should be working upon personal life and bring much-needed work-life balance.

In my case, I get positivity with prayers.

This shall too pass, Be Positive and Stay Safe!

PS: these are my personal opinion based on the current situation around me.